Published: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 12:04 a.m.

D.J. Moore's versatility helped him earn all-state honors in high school and was a big reason why Vanderbilt won its first bowl game in 53 years during Moore's junior season.

Facts

Panthers practice

2:30 p.m. Thursday

Now the former Broome star is hoping it can help him earn playing time with the Carolina Panthers.

Moore played receiver, quarterback, running back, cornerback and returned punts for the Centurions. He primarily played cornerback at Vanderbilt, but also saw time at receiver and returned punts on his way to being named an All-American.

But it's Moore's ability to play multiple defensive positions that has Carolina coach Ron Rivera excited during the first week of training camp.

“One of the great things about D.J. is he gives us some great flexibility,” Rivera said. “He has the opportunity to play corner, nickel and safety for us.”

Rivera added that Moore's skill set is a great asset to have on a roster.

“In this situation where you can only have 53 guys on your roster and 46 available on game day, when you've got a guy that can play that many positions he might be invaluable,” Rivera said.

The Panthers took a break on Wednesday after the first five days of practice.

Moore said five days in he feels like camp is going well.

“I think I've been doing alright,” Moore said. “We've only been out there a couple of days, but the days we've been out there have been pretty good.”

Moore has primarily seen time at nickel and safety so far in camp, but also expects to play some at cornerback as camp progresses.

“It is just the first week. There's no telling what they'll have me doing,” he said. “I'll do whatever they want me to do.”

In addition to making an impression on Rivera, Moore also has made an impression on the fans. He has consistently been the first Panthers player at practice, signing autographs and mingling with fans before getting to work on the football field.

Moore said being the first player at practice is nothing new for him.

“I've probably been the first out my whole career,” he said. “I talk to the fans, catch passes, I really don't like sitting around the locker room. I'm just going out to have fun and throw the ball around.”

Moore said he enjoys visiting with the diehard fans who show up early for practice.

“There aren't too many people, so you can really get one-on-one conversations,” he said.

Moore said before training camp that he was hoping to be the fan favorite back in his hometown.

He said he feels like he's at least one of the favorites thus far, but said it might not just be because he is a local guy.

“It's probably because I always go around and sign autographs and stuff,” he said. “A lot of the people I'm meeting are from out of town.”

<p>D.J. Moore's versatility helped him earn all-state honors in high school and was a big reason why Vanderbilt won its first bowl game in 53 years during Moore's junior season.</p><p>Now the former Broome star is hoping it can help him earn playing time with the Carolina Panthers.</p><p>Moore played receiver, quarterback, running back, cornerback and returned punts for the Centurions. He primarily played cornerback at Vanderbilt, but also saw time at receiver and returned punts on his way to being named an All-American.</p><p>But it's Moore's ability to play multiple defensive positions that has Carolina coach Ron Rivera excited during the first week of training camp.</p><p>“One of the great things about D.J. is he gives us some great flexibility,” Rivera said. “He has the opportunity to play corner, nickel and safety for us.”</p><p>Rivera added that Moore's skill set is a great asset to have on a roster.</p><p>“In this situation where you can only have 53 guys on your roster and 46 available on game day, when you've got a guy that can play that many positions he might be invaluable,” Rivera said.</p><p>The Panthers took a break on Wednesday after the first five days of practice.</p><p>Moore said five days in he feels like camp is going well.</p><p>“I think I've been doing alright,” Moore said. “We've only been out there a couple of days, but the days we've been out there have been pretty good.”</p><p>Moore has primarily seen time at nickel and safety so far in camp, but also expects to play some at cornerback as camp progresses.</p><p>“It is just the first week. There's no telling what they'll have me doing,” he said. “I'll do whatever they want me to do.”</p><p>In addition to making an impression on Rivera, Moore also has made an impression on the fans. He has consistently been the first Panthers player at practice, signing autographs and mingling with fans before getting to work on the football field.</p><p>Moore said being the first player at practice is nothing new for him.</p><p>“I've probably been the first out my whole career,” he said. “I talk to the fans, catch passes, I really don't like sitting around the locker room. I'm just going out to have fun and throw the ball around.”</p><p>Moore said he enjoys visiting with the diehard fans who show up early for practice.</p><p>“There aren't too many people, so you can really get one-on-one conversations,” he said.</p><p>Moore said before training camp that he was hoping to be the fan favorite back in his hometown.</p><p>He said he feels like he's at least one of the favorites thus far, but said it might not just be because he is a local guy.</p><p>“It's probably because I always go around and sign autographs and stuff,” he said. “A lot of the people I'm meeting are from out of town.”</p>